[Anatomic study of the medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve and tendon and its application].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the anatomy of the medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve and tendon and its application in the repair of tendo calcaneus and adjacent defects.


METHODS
10 cadavers (20 sides) were observed. The origin, course, size and the distribution of the medial plantar artery were studied. 12 cases with tendo calcaneus and adjacent defects were reconstructed with the medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve. Donor site defects were covered with free skin graft.


RESULTS
The medial plantar artery gives off deep branch [diameter (1.5 +/- 0.3) mm] and superficial branch [diameter (1.0 +/- 0.2) mm]. In 18 sides, the deep branches give off the medial branches and lateral branches. While in 2 sides, the superficial branches give off the medial branches and lateral branches with no big branches from the deep branches. There are branches of saphenous nerve and medial dorsal cutaneous nerve in the flap. All the flaps were survived. 8 cases were followed up for one months to one years. Good color, texture and function of the flaps were achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
The medial pedis composite flaps with saphenous nerve can repair tendo calcaneus and adjacent defects. It is a easy and safe procedure with reliable anatomy and good results.
Wei
Zai-Rong
ZR
Department of Plastic, Affiliated Hospital of Zuanyi Medical College, Zunyi 563003, China.
Wang
Da-Li
DL
Wang
Ya-Ming
YM
Qi
Jian-Ping
JP
Sun
Guang-Feng
GF
Wang
Bo
B
Tang
Xiujun
X
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation*; D055815:Young Adult